4 Michigan cities officially declare Sunday Diwali Day

Nov. 2, 2013

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Detroit Free Press Staff Writer

Indian girls makes Rangoli, or traditional artwork made with colored powder, on the eve of Diwali, the Hindu festival of colors, in Ahmadabad, India, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2013. Diwali will be celebrated on Sunday. / Ajit Solank/AP

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Four cities in Michigan have declared Sunday to be Diwali Day in recognition of a holiday celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs and Jains.

The resolutions came about through the efforts of the Hindu American Foundation, an advocacy group co-founded by Southfield native Mihir Meghani.

Known as the Festival of Lights, Diwali is a holy day that marks the victory of good over evil and is held in October or November, depending on the lunar calendar. In recent months, Padma Kuppa of Troy, a board member of the foundation, worked with officials in her hometown, as well as Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids and Rochester Hills, to get the resolutions passed.

“Hindus have lived in and contributed to the metro Detroit area for decades,” Kuppa said. “We’re grateful that all of these cities are acknowledging our contributions and the way our cultural heritage weaves into the social fabric of America.”

The resolutions reflect the growing Indian-American population, many of whom celebrate Diwali, in Michigan. That population numbers about 85,000, according to the U.S. census. People from India are the biggest immigrant group in metro Detroit, according to a recent study by Global Detroit, a nonprofit headed by former state Rep. Steve Tobocman that highlights the economic benefits of skilled immigrants.

Diwali also is getting recognition nationally. On Oct. 29, a Diwali celebration was held on Capitol Hill for the first time after the Senate and House of Representatives both passed bills recognizing the holiday. And on Tuesday, first lady Michelle Obama is expected to lead Diwali celebrations at the White House.

Kuppa and others often light their homes with lamps known as diyas to celebrate Diwali, or they put up electric lights that many use during Christmas.

“The flame of the diya, or lamp, reminds us that light will ultimately triumph over darkness,” President Barcak Obama said Friday in a statement. “Here in the United States, Diwali also reminds us that our nation is home to many faiths and traditions, and that our diversity makes us stronger.”

“My immediate neighbors have known for years why my Christmas lights go up in November,” Kuppa said. “Now more people in the community will realize it, too.”

Steve Spreitzer, interim director and CEO of Michigan Roundtable for Diversity and Inclusion, said, “It is gratifying to see our lawmakers coming together to demonstrate their commitment and appreciation for religious diversity.”